The Pac-12 experienced momentous turnover from late November (coaching changes) to late spring (graduate transfers), prompting the Hotlines crack research staff to sort through the list of newcomers and ponder the most influential.

The five new head coaches were excluded from the discussion  theyre in a class of their own  but coordinators and assistant coaches were considered, along with true freshmen and graduate transfers.

Once a first draft of names was compiled, I evaluated each for potential impact on the team and division, then picked the top 12.

Please note: Some teams are represented twice, others not at all  the Hotline isnt much for egalitarianism. And lets not forget that stable programs, by definition, should be less reliant on new arrivals than programs in flux.

Here we go

12. Arizona State OT Casey Tucker: Graduate transfer from Stanford expected to hold down the left edge, thereby occupying a vital role in the success of ASUs passing game. NKeal Harry and Co. wont make plays if QB Manny Wilkins doesnt have time to deliver the ball.

11. Colorado TB Travon McMillian: Grad transfer from Virginia Tech is part of the contingent attempting to replace do-everything running back Phillip Lindsay and provide vital balance to the Buffs attack. At 210 pounds, McMillian is the best bet for short-yardage duty on third down and in the red zone.

10. Arizona P Dylan Klumph: Yep, a punter, but not just any punter: The grad transfer from Cal is a very good punter (43 ypp) joining a team that had very bad punting (dead last in the FBS in 2017). His impact on field position will bolster what should be an improved Wildcat defense and, in turn, give Khalil Tate plenty of possessions in plus territory.

9. UCLA QB Wilton Speight/Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Combined entry because were not sure which of the newcomers will win the job: Speight, the grad transfer from Michigan, or Thompson-Robinson, the heralded true freshman. Either way, the Bruins success will be tied to the efficiency with which the starter executes Chip Kellys offense. (And its possible sophomore Devon Modster will emerge as the No. 1.)

8. USC WR Amon-Ra St. Brown: Mater Dei product was the top-rated 2018 recruit in California (any position) and will have plenty of opportunities to assist a passing game that must replace star wideout Deontay Burnett. His friendship and chemistry with rookie QB JT Daniels seemingly increases the likelihood of immediate success in the post-Darnold era.

7. Colorado QB coach Kurt Roper: Hired in January, the veteran assistant has been tasked with elevating the play of QB Steven Montez. If Roper succeeds  sometimes, all it takes is a different voice in the QB room  the impact could disrupt the South race. Montez has the raw talent to lead the Buffs into contention.

6. Washington State QB Gardner Minshew: Grad transfer from East Carolina has 506 career attempts, which is 506 more than all the other quarterbacks on WSUs roster, combined. The presumptive starter will have options in the passing game and, depending on his efficiency, could help keep the Cougars competitive in the North.

5. Oregon OT Penei Sewell: True freshman expected to be tasked with protecting QB Justin Herberts blind side, not to mention his collarbone, shoulder, elbow, etc. If Sewell, who grew up in Utah and was hotly pursued by Alabama, plays like a veteran  the Ducks have returning starters everywhere else  then Herbert should have the time required to pick defenses apart.

4. Arizona State LC coach Antonio Pierce: Arrived in December from Long Beach Poly, where he spent four seasons leading the prep powerhouse. An Arizona grad who played in the NFL, Pierce has twin missions in Tempe: Squeeze every last tackle out of a rebuilt linebacking unit, and bolster ASUs recruiting efforts in Southern California. Brilliant hire by Herm Edwards.

3. UCLA DC Jerry Azzinaro: Reunited with Chip Kelly  they worked together at Oregon and in the NFL  after spending the 17 season at Cal. Well-respected tactician hoping to transform an astonishingly bad defense, especially against the run, into a respectable unit. The degree to which Azzinaro succeeds will directly impact UCLAs fortunes, and perhaps the South race.

2. Utah WR Britain Covey: Something of a special case in that Covey played for the Utes in 2015, then spent two years on a church mission. Before leaving, Covey led the Utes with 41 catches from the slot position. Upon returning, the sophomore should make QB Tyler Huntley and the entire passing game markedly better. Which could translate into a long-sought division title.

1. USC QB JT Daniels: Its not about the hype for the true freshman wunderkind; its about the reality of USCs depth chart: Daniels will start for a roster thats otherwise loaded  that has the ingredients to contend for a playoff berth so long as the quarterback play is efficient. If the Trojans had weaknesses elsewhere, the ceiling wouldnt be as high. There wouldnt be as much riding on Daniels play from week to week.

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